The Minister of Health, labour and welfare has published notice no. 10 to further elaborate the scope and testing principle of azo dyes restriction that are regulated by the existing “Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances” (Act no, 112 of 1973).

The Minister of Health, labour and welfare has published notice no. 10  to further elaborate the scope and testing principle of azo dyes restriction that are regulated by the existing “Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances” (Act no, 112 of 1973) . This notice shall be enforced with immediate effect. Here are the highlights:

According to this notice:

Three colored composite samples can be tested. Separation test for individual colored sample shall be arranged in order to confirm results if one colored (monochromatic) sample might exceed 30 mg /kg after the judgment from positive composite test result.

For natural fur, the fur part shall follow textile method. For leather part, shall refer to leather test method. For acritical fur made with chemical/synthetic fires, textile method shall be used.Sample sampling should be done from the part in direct contact with the skin in terms of usage of the product in principle

For the scope of application: 

It only applies to dyestuff but not including pigment for azo dyes restriction. Refer to JIS L1940 and JIS L 1065 for the identification of azo dyes or azo pigments.

The Standard Commodity Classification number is added in addition to the existing applicable products for easy identification. Details as follows:

• The textile products with azo dye: diapers (79911), diaper cover (79912), underwear (782), nightwear (except for Japanese style) (783) , gloves (788), hosiery (785), intermediate wear, outer wear (781), caps, hat (787), beddings (822), floor mat (821) , tablecloths (825), neckwear (except fur) (792) , handkerchiefs (791) and towels, bath mats and related products (827).
• The leather and/or fur products with azo dye, underwear (782), gloves (788), intermediate wear, outer wear (781), caps, hats (787) and floor mat (821).

It does not apply to the following products:

1. Kimono or similar related products
2. Product made of non-spun material that exclusively used for indoor decoration and ornamental purpose
3. Product made of recycled or second-hand materials that are technically difficult to identify the source of material

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